Illinois regulators adopt Metrc's marijuana seed-to-sale software

Illinois regulators are replacing the state’s BioTrack marijuana seed-to-sale software platform with Metrc.The new contract makes Illinois the fourth state where Metrc is taking over from the incumbent track-and-trace vendor, according to a Tuesday news release.

ADVERTISEMENT Metrc’s radio frequency identification (RFID) technology allows licensed cannabis businesses to track plants and products from their origin to the time they’re sold.It also provides information about everything from testing results to chain of custody and is readily available to state regulators.

Licensees also will have access to the new Metrc Retail ID, which gives them the ability to “generate QR codes for item-level identification,” the release noted.Consumers will be able to access product information by scanning QR codes with their smartphones.

“We look forward to this new partnership with Metrc to ensure Illinois continues advancing the safest and most secure cannabis market,” Erin Johnson, Illinois’ cannabis regulation oversight officer, said in a statement.Metrc CEO Michael Johnson said the platform will enhance Illinois’ cannabis program by boosting supply-chain transparency and ensuring that all licensees have the “tools and resources they need to thrive.” “The Illinois cannabis industry is among the most prominent and influential in the nation, and we are thrilled to partner with the Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office to support the market’s safety and security,” Johnson said.

ADVERTISEMENT According to the release, Metrc has teamed up with: The Minority Cannabis Business Association to provide educational seminars on its track-and-trace technology.Minorities for Medical Marijuana to develop patient education content about the benefits and safeguards of regulated cannabis products.

...